Orthodontic treatment is used to improve the appearance, position and function of crooked or abnormally arranged teeth. Orthodontic treatment can straighten the teeth and move them into a better position; crooked and out-of-place teeth are quite common in the UK.

Orthodontic treatment uses appliances to correct the position of the teeth. The main types are:

• Fixed braces – a non-removable brace made up of brackets that are glued to each tooth and linked with wires. The brackets can be metal or tooth coloured for a low-visibility option.
• Removable braces – usually plastic plates that cover the roof of the mouth and clip on to some teeth; they can only carry out very limited tooth movements.
• Invisalign – is a custom-made plastic mouth guard. These are removable aligners which are practically invisible.
• Headgear – this is an appliance which is used when there is a difference in growth between the upper and lower jaws.

Healthcare professionals specialising in orthodontics are known as orthodontists. Please ask your dentist about the options available.